Wesleyan does things differently. By now, we Seniors know that this plays out in many different ways. This includes what we do with the Senior Gift here at Wesleyan. When most people hear of “The Senior Gift”, if they’ve even heard of it, they think of a senior class donation to the school. Most people believe that this gift comes in the form of a bench outside of Usdan, or perhaps a tree on Foss Hill. However, Wesleyan’s “senior gift” is much more meaningful.
As co-chairs of the Senior Gift, Erik “Puts the OH! In Philanthr-Oh-py” Underwood and I, Jennifer “Foxy Fundraiser” Matthews, would like to inform you of our not-so-secret mission. You may have seen us soliciting funds from senior class-ers during Senior Pass Sales, and yes we do aim to receive financial donations from students. The problem is, not many people know what the Senior Gift is, and most people are hesitant to give money when they are unsure where their money is going. This is completely understandable. So for all readers who are wary of the Senior Gift, we’d just like to clarify a few things, so that you know what your gifts go toward.
The Senior Gift is a part of the Wesleyan Fund, which raises money to maintain the school. Your support of the Wesleyan Fund pays for $45,000 worth of annual maintenance of Andrus Field, $19,000 worth of education costs (per student) that is not covered by tuition and a $255,000 upgrade of the 600-square-foot classroom/seminar for multimedia technology, just to name a few.
The Senior Gift itself is a financial donation from the senior class that goes directly into maintaining financial aid for future students, and student facilities and activities. Through multiple events and activities, our goal is to not only reach our participation goal of 95% of the senior class, but also to raise our dollar goal of $15,000.00.
And guess what? We’ve already raised $8,131.02 with 82% of our class having given along with their Senior Pass purchases! We have a ways to go to raise our dollar goal, but 82% participation is well more than we expected at this point during the year (Props to ’09!).
We were asked by an anonymous student, “Why do you do this?” The answer to this question is very simple. Not only do we strive to promote Wesleyan pride, but we are also attempting to improve student life on campus, provide resources for students in need, and raise Wesleyan’s current endowment. The class of 07’s Senior Gift reached $19,551 with 98% participation that showed our peer institutions how it’s done!
With an increase in support for the school, our endowment and reputation is sure to improve. Let’s remember that Wesleyan is a private university. Unlike public universities and colleges, we do not receive the same benefits as state funded schools. Therefore, the student body and the alumni network are fundamental to the welfare of the school. So, if you have enjoyed your time at Wesleyan and would do it all over again, help in keeping the school alive! You will be enhancing a future student’s experience! By now, we as seniors recognize all that Wesleyan has given to us, and can see that Wes needs to be there in the future.
That said, give to Wes, and give to future students who need Financial Aid in order to come here. Wesleyan needs to stay here for a long time, and we need to help it continue. Look out next week for our “100 days Until Graduation” celebration and your free Senior T-shirts, provided by the Generosity of the Wesleyan Fund.
Oh Nine!
Your Senior Gift Co-Chairs,
Jennifer A. Matthews ’09
Erik Underwood ’09
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